Q: I’m rebuilding the manifold for the irrigation system I use for my backyard and patio. In the past there have been a lot of problems with the old system that was put in by the previous owner. He crammed a PVC pipe into the valve box that was squeezed in between a wall and the patio and actually bent the pipe to get it in. The pipe leaked and that attracted tree roots that have grown into the valve box and are starting to damage the wall. Do you have any suggestions?
A:Â It would be good to relocate the manifold and associated valves to an area with more room for a larger valve box. Carefully laid out, there should be no need for excess PVC piping and valve access will become much easier. You could also install the manifold and valves above ground.
